Best Study Spot at UIC: Tips from a Biological Sciences Student
Interview with Andrew Magsombol Heading link
Name: Andrew Magsombol
Major: Biological Sciences– General Biology Concentration
Year in school: Sophomore
How did you choose your major/minor?
I chose to major in biology because I was fascinated by how living organisms function, from the molecular level to entire ecosystems. Biology will also provide a strong foundation for a career in healthcare, such as a physician assistant, and I wanted to combine my passion for science with the opportunity to help others.
Why did you choose UIC and LAS for your studies?
I chose UIC and LAS for my studies because of the amount of research opportunities within LAS at UIC. It was hard for me to say no when I knew I would be set up for success.
What resources have you connected with and found useful on campus?
The MSLC has been really useful as a resource for tutoring and studying; there’s areas to study alone or with a group and it’s really easy to get into tutoring within that space. Also, the library and its online databases have been really helpful for scientific papers and for a general study area. Whether you enjoy a noisy area or quiet, you get the best of both at the library.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice during your freshman year, what would it be?
I’d tell myself to focus on the bigger picture and to not fuss over one bad assignment or test. Embrace failure as a learning experience. It’s okay to stumble along the way – that’s how we grow.
What are your aspirations after graduation?
After graduating, I aspire to become a Physician Assistant and impact healthcare in a positive way.